Learning curve insights in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) spinal procedures: proficiency cutoffs and the impact on efficiency and complications

• Published in: European spine journal 2025-01
• Main Authors: Peng, Jing, Lin, Rongzhen, Fang, Duopei, He, Zhaojun, Zhao, Qinghao, Li, Qingchu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1432-0932; 1432-0932
• DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08632-9

This study systematically assesses the learning curve of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) techniques across various spinal surgeries, focusing on its influence on operative efficiency and complication rates to guide optimized training and practice. Systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library identified studies on UBE learning curves for patients aged 18 or older, comparing early and mastery phases. Two reviewers independently extracted data on surgery type, operative time, and complications. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We performed subgroup analyses based on different UBE surgery types, examining variations in operative time and complication rates across each procedure. Thirteen studies, including 1217 patients, were included, focusing on lumbar spine surgeries. The average learning curve cutoff for UBE procedures was 32.18 cases, with the mastery phase reducing operative time by an average of 48.14 min (95% CI 35.80, 60.47; p